I didn't know whether to put this in "Holidays" or here... but I chose here because I want accurate advice on the life of the tree... so I thought maybe I would get more answers here.

So this is our FIRST year getting a real Christmas tree. I never had one growing up, and I always just did what I was used to. So we always had a "fake" tree... you know, like the fiber optic etc.

Well my husband wants to get a real one this year.

I know I always see people buying them closer to Christmas... and I decorate right after Thanksgiving, at which time I usually put up the fake tree.

So when is the best time to buy a real Christmas tree?
How long do they last?
What are some problems I may run in to?
How do I care for it?

I just need some advice on this situation as a whole haha!

Thanks!

Most of the trees you will get at lots are all cut and in the lots about the same time. Unless you are going to a tree farm to cut your own.

So the thing is, what do you want to do , to set your own tradition ?

Put it up on the day after Thanksgiving, perhaps always put it up on Dec 1 or Dec 5.

If you want to start a new family tradition, you pick and go for it.

Hi!

We buy our 'real' tree at thanksgiving time,it's a tradition for us,it's when family comes to the gathering and my brother and nieces can 'assist' in the picking of it.

White pine has long needles and tends to shed them,a bit too much for a carpeted room,and the limbs are a little too weak to hold lights and ornaments.

We prefer Douglas fir,it has short needles,strong branches,good even coloration,and lasts without dropping too many needles on the floor.

A large base is suggested,one with a large enough bowl to hold about a quart of water,a tree base up to 9 inches(although you'll not get a tree with a nine inch base,it adjusts to hold any size firmly.)

Make sure the people you buy a tree from shakes the tree,mechanically,It will remove any loose debris and unwanted pests which might be in a tree while waiting for you to find it.. :)

Have a great Christmas,

KBC

We get ours 2 weeks before Christmas. Make sure you get a solid base that holds lots of water, you never want it to dry out - we use something similar to this.

Most trees are cut in late Sept and Oct and then shipped. Just before bringing inside you need to cut at least an inch off the base and then stand it up in a good tree stand with water. Many folks have their own receipes like adding bleach or an aspirin but I use plain water or commercially sold tree preservation. Now of theses do much to extend the trees freshness but it never hurts to try. Close heat vents near the tree and try to avoid allowing it to be in a draft area of the home which would speed drying out. The tree will drink lots of water the first few days and the slowly stop absorbing water altogether. Best bet is to buy a tree bag that gets down ontop of the stand before you install the tree, this will make removal far less messy.

Thanks for all the great answers!!

I am a total real tree virgin haha! So I just want to make sure I know what I am doing.

So it's totally fine to buy one this early before Christmas, and it will last?

Sure it will,We'll send it our love and keep it in the 'spirit' of Christmas! :)

I too use something like that but I replaced the hand screws with real bolts so I could use a ratchet to tighten them. Since doing this Me and my wife no longer fight about her holding the tree straight long enough. It's tightened down in less than 2 minutes.